The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) Area Command, Lagos, has handed over seized Cannabis Indica, valued at over ₦682 million, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The Cannabis Indica, handed over on Wednesday, were found contained in three 1x40ft containers seized by the Customs operatives in August, 2024.
Customs Area Controller, TCIP Area Command, DA Nnadi, disclosed these, assuring that several other containers of similar nature would be handed over in coming weeks, after consultations with Customs Headquarters.
Addressing the press at the handing over ceremony, Nnadi said: “This occasion offers us the opportunity to unveil three (3) seizures in Tin Can Island Area Command.
“In the interim, the Command having received actionable intelligence on the suspected importation of illicit dangerous drugs from one of the source countries, intercepted the three containers which we are showcasing today [Wednesday].
“The drugs extracted from the containers are being handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) TCIP, in furtherance of existing interagency collaboration and the MoU signed between the NDLEA and NCS.
“The details of each subject container are as follows: Container Number MSMU 518030/2 (1X40FT). A joint 100 per cent physical examination was conducted on 2 Aug 2024 and the examination revealed 77 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 38.5kg.
“At the time of processing the intelligence, system profiling indicated that a declaration was made on an SGD Number withheld on 30-07-2024, listing three (3) used vehicles:.
“Container Number MSMU 602957/0 (1X40FT). A joint 100 per cent physical examination was conducted on 8 Aug 2024 and the examination revealed 532 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 265.025kg.
“At the time of processing the intelligence, no declaration had been entered. The shipping company with respect to the consignment is MSC.
“Container Number FSCU 927461/3 (1X40FT). A joint 100 per cent physical examination was conducted on 8 Aug 2024 and the examination revealed 75 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 37.5kg.
“At the time of processing the intelligence, no declaration had been entered. The shipping company with respect to the consignment is MSC.
“In furtherance of the synergy between the NDLEA and the NCS, the Command is handing over the contents of the three containers totaling 684 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 341.025kg with a street value of N682, 050,000.00.”
The Customs Area Controller, TCIP Area Command disclosed that investigation by the Command and its partner agency, the NDLEA, was ongoing. He that the anti-drug agency will give an update on the interdiction, arrest and prosecution.
Nnadi further disclosed that the Command and, indeed, the NCS will deploy all necessary resources and strategies at its disposal to check the menace of illegal importation of illicit and dangerous substances.
He said NCS will increase its collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies in the war against illegal importation of illicit drugs.
“We are more than committed to deliver on this mandate. I wish to thank you for partnering with the NCS to ensure and sustain the protection of the Nigerian society,” he added.
